Buried [Completed]

Chapter ten

Back at Kyle's, Jamie helped Cory hang her dress in her closet. There was plenty of room, as most of the little girl's clothes were in a scramble on the floor.

"Are these clean or dirty?" she asked, picking up a T-shirt and giving it a once-over.

"Clean. My hamper is over there."

Cory pointed to a plastic laundry basket, full to the brim.

"Mrs. Stella washes them when she comes to clean the house. I'm supposed to put them away, but sometimes I just..." she sighed, and shot Jamie a guilty look.

"Chester's room is even messier," she defended herself, but seemed to regret admitting it.

"We'll probably get neater as we get older. Our birthday is in October."

"Relax, honey. This is not a big deal."

Jamie put the T-shirt into a drawer and smiled.

"Let's find your dad. Maybe we can have a snack before your bedtime."

When they'd walked in ten minutes ago, Kyle had been on the phone in the room he used for an office. Through the glass panes of the French door, she saw him hold up a finger indicating he needed a few more minutes to resolve whatever problem was making him frown so intently.

Chester had been sitting at the computer in the kitchen and had barely acknowledged their arrival. While his sister was always eager to spend time with Jamie, and even more anxious to please, her twin brother was exactly the opposite— aloof to the point of rudeness.

Jamie didn't push, trusting that with time, and patient kindness on her part, she would eventually win him over. Cory followed her to the kitchen— a large room with good bones but outdated cabinets and appliances. One day, a complete renovation would be in order, but for now the luxury of all this space— compared to the cramped trailer— was enough for Jamie.

She put her hands on her hips and turned to the children.

"So, what should we have for a snack? What does your dad usually make for you?"

"Um..." Cory looked blankly at her brother.

"I'm not hungry." Chester didn't even look up from the computer game he was playing.

Jamie opened the pantry door, marveling at all the cabinet space.

"What about popcorn?"

"Yes! I can help." 

Cory took a bag out of the package, placed it in the microwave, and punched in the appropriate number of minutes with the confidence of one who had done this many times.

Jamie opened the fridge, looking for something to drink. Looking past the beer, she saw milk and juice. She offered both to the kids, but only Cory answered.

"Apple juice, please."

Jamie thought Chester might relent and join them once the delicious aroma of popcorn and butter filled the kitchen, but he kept his back to them as she and Cory poured the paper bag contents into a big bowl.

Cory sat beside her at the kitchen table, and they were just dipping their fingers in for their first taste when Kyle finally appeared.

"Sorry, honey. That was my mom." He gave her a light kiss, then headed to the fridge, where he popped open a Bud.

"Want one?" She shook her head, no.

"When is she arriving?"

Kyle had already warned her that his mother wouldn't stay long. His parents' divorce had been a brutal one, and Twisted Cedars wasn't big enough to hold both Jim and Muriel Quinpool for long.